Biden Admin Strikes Deal For Millions Of At-Home Covid Tests

Topline

The Biden administration said Monday that it has struck a deal with Australian manufacturer Ellume to secure what will be the country’s first over-the-counter, at-home Covid-19 test.

Key Facts

The Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services have awarded $230 million to Ellume to produce millions of at-home tests, White House Senior Advisor Andy Slavitt said during a Monday press conference.

The U.S. will begin receiving batches of 100,000 tests starting in February, said Slavitt, noting that “that is good but it is obviously not where we will need to be.” 

The funding from the government is intended to help Ellume scale its manufacturing base to have the capacity to create 19 million tests per month by the end of the year, 8.5 million of which are reserved for the U.S. government. 

These rapid tests have proven to be 95% accurate and deliver results in 15 minutes through a smartphone, according to Slavitt.

Ellume did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Key Background 

The test was authorized by the Food and Drug Administration in early December. It is sold over the counter and, according to the Biden administration, is appropriate for people ages 2 or older. The test uses a nasal swab that is less-invasive than those typically used for Covid-19 tests, and can be self-performed. “After you take the swab, you put the sample into a digital analyzer, which will send a result to your smartphone in about 15 minutes,” said Slavitt. Ellume previously said it hopes to sell the single-use device in stores for around $30.

Crucial Quote 

“They can be used if you feel symptoms of Covid-19, and also for screening for people without symptoms so they can safely to go to work, school and events,” said Slavitt.

Further Reading

“FDA Approves First Covid Over-The-Counter Home Test” (Forbes)

“Covid-19 Home Tests Should Be Much Cheaper” (Forbes)

“Bringing Routine Covid-19 Testing Into The Home” (Forbes)

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